“Crudities” and Forks

Early in the Tudor period, a type of fork which was really a rudely wrought piece of silver with two prongs at one end, and a small spoon bowl at the other, was known. This was used for lifting “suckets” such as plums or other fruits preserved in syrup. 

An interesting reference to forks was published in a book called “Crudities,” written at the beginning of the seventeenth century. The allusion is the expression of the author, Thomas Coryate, an Englishman traveling in Italy in 1620. “I observed a custom in all those Italian cities and towns through which I passed that is not used in any other country that I saw in my travels, neither do I think that any other nation of Christendom doth use it, but only Italy. The Italian, and also most strangers that are commorant in Italy, do always at their meals use a little fork when they cut their meat... their forks being for the most part made on iron or steel, and some of silver, but these are used only by gentlemen. The reason of this their curiosity is because the Italian cannot endure by any means to have his dish touched by fingers, seeing that all men’s fingers are not alike clean. Hereupon I myself thought to imitate the Italian fashion by this fork cutting of meat, not only while I was in Italy, but also in Germany, and often-times in England since I came home.”

It seems incredible that in a period of English history so famed for its extravagance and luxury, that forks were rarely used. This new display of refinement was indeed slow in being generally accepted, as evidenced by the few specimens made. However, their use may have been retarded somewhat, because ministers contended it was an insult to God not to touch meat with one’s fingers. As more and more travelers noted their use and general advantages in the consumption of food, silversmiths produced forks in greater quantities. It was not until late in the eighteenth century, however, that they were in common use.

The earliest forks made were probably used only for serving pieces, as one in the inventory of the Royal Plate of 1399 weighed fifteen and one-half ounces. Another in a will of 1463, was listed as being used for “grene Gynger.” Early in the Tudor period, a type of fork which was really a rudely wrought piece of silver with two prongs at one end, and a small spoon bowl at the other, was known. This was used for lifting “suckets” such as plums or other fruits preserved in syrup.  — From The Book of Old Silver, by Seymour B. Wyler, 1937

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